PM Modi arrives in Bangkok to attend BIMSTEC summit; Will head to Sri Lanka next

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on Thursday to participate in the sixth Bimstec summit, a crucial meeting aimed at enhancing regional cooperation among member nations. The summit, hosted in Bangkok, brings together leaders from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand to discuss key areas of economic growth, connectivity, and security in the Bay of Bengal region.

Following the summit, PM Modi will travel to Sri Lanka, marking his first visit to the island nation since the election of its new president. His visit is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and reinforce India's commitment to regional stability. Sri Lanka is a key partner in India's "Neighborhood First" policy, and discussions will likely cover economic recovery, maritime security, and trade relations.

Ahead of his departure, Modi emphasized the strategic significance of Bimstec in fostering development, connectivity, and cooperation. He underlined India’s commitment to working closely with Bimstec nations for mutual progress, particularly in the fields of trade, security, technology, and disaster management.

In his official statement, Modi stressed the importance of India’s North Eastern region, describing it as a crucial geographical link in Bimstec. He noted that improved connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast would benefit trade and economic integration with Southeast Asia.

Bimstec has gained increasing relevance in recent years, especially amid changing geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. As global supply chains shift and economic partnerships evolve, the summit presents an opportunity for member nations to strengthen trade, security, and technology partnerships.